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The Travel Lounge
Where you'll stay | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Palm River Hotel
A riverside hotel on the Zambezi, just upstream of Victoria Falls.
The Palm River Hotel sits on the banks of the Zambezi River among towering indigenous trees, upstream of Victoria Falls and only 4 km from the Falls. Inspired by the Queenslander architectural style, the 5-star hotel has 73 rooms and suites, and on a clear, quiet day guests can hear the thunder and see the spray of the Falls from their rooms.
Why we love it
What makes The Palm River Hotel special
- On the banks of the Zambezi River, just 4 km upstream of Victoria Falls
- Deluxe Rooms with private balconies looking over the river and gardens
- A 34 m infinity pool overlooking the Zambezi
- River cruises leave from the hotel's own jetty
- Complimentary afternoon tea for guests every day
- Free shuttle to Victoria Falls town, stopping at the Rainforest entrance to the Falls
Your room on this trip
Deluxe Room
Deluxe Rooms have a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the Zambezi River and the gardens, a spacious bedroom with a writing desk and a fully equipped tea and coffee station. The contemporary bathroom has an open, spacious shower and a double vanity. Rooms also have air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, USB charging points and a minibar with complimentary initial stocking.
Around the hotel
Eating, relaxing and exploring at The Palm River Hotel
Facilities and experiences
- 34 m infinity pool in front of the main area, with a 24 m lap section, a shallow children's splash pool and a lower infinity pool
- Spa overlooking the Zambezi River, offering aromatherapy, massages, manicures and pedicures
- Palm River Hotel Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Al Fresco Bar and Dining under the trees, open daily from 10am to 10pm
- Riverside barbecue-style dinners on the Zambezi riverbank, bookable in advance
- Riverside High Tea experience
- Ra-Ikane river cruises from the jetty in front of the hotel: breakfast, birdwatching, lunch and sunset cruises
- Tours and activities desk for booking Victoria Falls excursions
Dining
The Palm River Hotel Restaurant serves fusion cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients in a dining hall with a veranda and al fresco area, and breakfast includes a continental buffet plus dishes from the hot breakfast menu. Complimentary afternoon tea is served daily, and barbecue-style dinners can be booked on the banks of the Zambezi.
Location
- About 4 km from Victoria Falls, a gentle 8 to 10 minute drive
- About 7 km, roughly 10 minutes' drive, from Victoria Falls town
- About 30 minutes by road from Victoria Falls Airport
- About 1 hour by road from Livingstone Airport, Zambia
- About 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Kasane Airport, Botswana
Good to know
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Complimentary afternoon tea for in-house guests daily from 3.30pm to 4.30pm
- Victoria Falls is not considered a high-risk malarial area, but the hotel advises seeing a doctor before travelling; rooms have fans, air-conditioning and insect repellent
- Zimbabwe visa entry forms can be completed online in advance to avoid queues on arrival
Your questions answered
The Palm River Hotel FAQs
How far is The Palm River Hotel from Victoria Falls?
The hotel is only 4 km from Victoria Falls, a gentle 8 to 10 minute drive. On a clear, quiet day guests can even hear the thunder and see the spray of the Falls from their rooms.
Do I need to hire a car at The Palm River Hotel?
No. A complimentary shuttle runs on a timetable throughout the day between the hotel and Victoria Falls town, stopping at the Victoria Falls Rainforest and the craft markets. Airport transfers can also be arranged.
Can I take a river cruise from the hotel?
Yes. Ra-Ikane river cruises leave from the jetty in front of the hotel, with breakfast, birdwatching, lunch and sunset departures of about two hours. Boats carry a maximum of 16 passengers.
Is Victoria Falls a malaria area?
The hotel says Victoria Falls is not considered a high-risk malarial area, but recommends seeing a doctor before travelling, as antimalarials may be advisable. Rooms have fans and air-conditioning and are stocked with insect repellent.
Want to stay here? The Palm River Hotel is part of our 14-day small group safari, and we can also include it in a holiday designed around you.
Where to next?
It starts with a chat. No forms or scripts, just a friendly conversation. Call, email or pop into the Lounge, and one of the team will take it from there.
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